Last Updated on October 24, 2017 6:29 pm
LENOIR, NC (October 24, 2017 6 pm UPDATE) – Around 150 Blue Ridge Energy and visiting line technicians continue power restoration work this evening for 1,124 members still without electricity after Monday’s severe storm.
Repair and restoration efforts continue in severely damaged areas including: southeastern Alleghany County where 538 members remain without power; southern Caldwell County, where 426 members are awaiting restoration; Alexander County, where 72 members are still impacted; as well as 68 in Wilkes County, and 15 in Watauga County.
“We’re working as quickly and safely as possible to restore power to all members,” said Robert Kent, director of operations. “There’s been a tremendous amount of downed trees and limbs with this storm,” he added. “We want to urge members and the public to be extremely cautious around downed trees or limbs and to never touch a downed line of any kind, under any circumstances,” Kent said.
Report downed power lines or trees and limbs on power lines to Blue Ridge Energy at 1-800-451-5474. Stay far away from any downed line! Downed power lines can still be energized and therefore dangerous or even deadly.
Kent also expressed appreciation for vising crews assisting Blue Ridge Energy from: French Broad EMC, Union Power Cooperative, Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative of Pickens, SC, Haynes Electric Utility, and Sumter Utilities.
Monday’s storm caused severe system damage and outages to over 12,000 Blue Ridge Energy members. Tornado-like conditions with flooding, extreme winds and lightning caused damage to much of western North Carolina.
Members should report all outages to Blue Ridge Energy by calling 1-800-448-2383 or through the Blue Ridge mobile app. For outage restoration updates at any time, check the cooperative’s live, 24/7 outage map by visiting BlueRidgeEnergy.com or using the Blue Ridge mobile app.
